"This is the first addition to the reintroduced colony of northern hairy-nosed wombats in five years, and it indicates the new male brought in last year is settling in well." The only known colonies of the animal are both in Queensland - at the Richard Underwood Nature Refuge and Epping Forest National Park.

When numbers dropped in Epping in 2009, the state government established the second refuge. The species' numbers have begun slowly recovering.

"This little joey is an important new arrival for the colony, and highlights that this refuge provides suitable conditions for successful breeding," said Miles.

Australia has three species of wombat - the common wombat, northern hairy-nosed wombat and southern hairy-nosed wombat.

Their main threats are wild dogs, disease and competition for food from kangaroos.